Thank you to Project Studio for hosting me during an Open Studio Session and for providing me with a craft for review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I LURVE to craft. I love to sew, to build, to paint. But with my young kids running around and work deadlines, I don’t always get as much creative time as I’m craving. Treats like a date night or girl’s night are very handy when we get to chat and create something we will actually use. Project Studio, in West Marietta, GA (they also have a new studio in Vinings, GA) offers creative home decor projects that you’ll be proud of; that was the ticket for me!
From front door hangers and welcome signs to centerpiece boxes and serving trays, the rustic appeal and hand-lettered verbiage enchanted me! I spent at least an hour online perusing through Project Studio’s project gallery, only to second guess myself once I was in the store because I wanted to make everything! The staff was very kind and welcoming, talking through processes, finishes, and personal touches that really put my stamp on the crafty item. I settled on a handled serving tray, which you can see in the bottom corner with the light green “P” on it.
The wooden items have already been created by the staff, so there is no need to fear power tools or saws. Things are pre-cut, assembled and ready to go. I was also supplied with items I needed for the project, like aprons, gloves, brushes, stain, and paint. The only things I brought with me were a chilled bottle of wine to share and a couple of glasses!
After staining my serving tray on all sides, I then was given a flat brush and great gobs of white paint. I whitewashed the item twice, and then the staff helped me mix the perfect color for my tray: a light green, sea foamy-mermaid color that accented my pastel, vintage guest room nicely. I envisioned the tray welcoming my houseguests with a place to put their items, or maybe even to serve snack.
The perfectly styled lettering on each project gracing the studio shouldn’t make you fearful of success. The skilled employees like Claire and Becca will walk you right through it. I asked for a Disney-inspired phrase, “Be Our Guest” on my tray, and Becca thoughtfully asked for my input on placement, style and more. Drafting in pencil to make sure things fit nicely, she then used a killer marker to sketch it out.
It was then my turn to bold out the letters and paint them. I wasn’t surprised how zen I felt, coloring in everything, but I was surprised how far a little help went. A long way to making my project POP!
After I was finished painting and blowdrying my tray (a handy way to speed up the painting process), Becca stepped in with power tools. She slapped a nice pair of classic handles on before I could blink and then offered to sand the tray down for me. While I’m very comfortable with a drill and sander, I was grateful for the relief of duty so I could take pictures! (Be sure to scroll down to see the awesomely adorable Gender Reveal that took place in at Project Studio that same night!)
Adding a coat of wax was the next step, which left the tray extremely smooth and gave it a warm glow. I know my guests will feel right at home with my new craft, and I’m sure that when guests are not gracing my door, I’ll be using it for breakfast in bed, or an appetizer date night with my husband. My friend Krystyn decorated her darker blue tray with a pretty gray wreath. You can read more about Krystyn’s serving tray from Project Studio and read her inspirational quotes on the sides! Make your appointment at Project Studio to make something you’re incredibly proud of!
Project Studio was also hosting a Gender Reveal Party that night for a Mom and her friends, where the Studio had prepared a piece of wall art. Mom had to sand down the white paint to reveal the gender of the baby (blue or pink)! Watch more in this VIDEO of the Sanding Down Gender Reveal:
Looks like a fun time!
The handles. I forgot to mention the handles! Whoops!
It’s so much fun and I can’t wait to go back.
These are so cute. I would need pretty handwriting help though!